Latics are looking to bounce back from a late defeat against Tranmere Rovers as they welcome table toppers Forest Green Rovers to Boundary Park for a Sky Bet League Two clash on Saturday (3pm KO).
Despite being the better side for the majority of the game against Tranmere, Charlie Jolley’s late goal saw the points go to Merseyside.
Form Guide
Forest Green Rovers are currently in seriously impressive form meaning it will be a tough ask for Latics.
Incredibly, Forest Green has not lost a league game since their 2-0 defeat at home to Swindon Town on the 9th of October. Eight league games have gone since with Rovers losing none of them.
In addition, they have won each of their last four league meetings, a run that cements their place at the top of the table.
They are six points clear of second-placed Northampton Town and even have a game in on hand on their nearest rivals too.
Their away form in the league has been sublime so home advantage doesn’t necessarily count for much for Oldham, but they did lose away from home in the Emirates FA Cup to lower league opposition, St Albans.
Rovers’ Last Six:
- Harrogate Town 1-4 Forest Green Rovers
- Forest Green Rovers 1-1 Chelsea under 21s (Papa John’s Trophy – lost on penalties)
- Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Bristol Rovers
- Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Barrow
- Hartlepool United 1-3 Forest Green Rovers
- Walsall 0-2 Forest Green Rovers (Papa John’s Trophy)
Head-to-Head
Meetings: 6
Latics wins: 0
Forest Green wins: 3
Draws: 3
Scored: 5
Conceded: 10
Latics have failed to win any of the six competitive meetings between the two clubs, a run they will hoping to put to an end this weekend.
Rovers managed to win both games played between the clubs last season.
The last time they met was in May at Boundary Park. The visitors were comfortable winners with Aaron Collins scoring a brace, as well as a goal from Odin Bailey, giving them a 3-0 win.
At the New Lawn, Forest Green won 4-3 at the second time they attempted to play the game.
The game was first played in January 2021 but had to be abandoned due to fog and other weather conditions. The score was 1-1 at the time of the abandonment.
Watch Out For
Forest Green Rovers have many players to watch out for and they can boast of having two of the top three goalscorers in the division.
Jamille Matt and Matthew Stevens both have 11 goals to their name already in this campaign.
Both men come into the game on the back of a good run of form, having netted in their last outing; a 4-1 triumph away against Harrogate Town.
Oldham fans may remember that Jamille Matt was amongst the goals in the Rovers’ 4-3 win over Oldham at the New Lawn back in February of this year.
Latics’ defence will have their work cut out to keep both men quiet.
In The Dugout
Rob Edwards is the man in the dugout for the visitors.
Edwards was appointed boss at the New Lawn in May 2021 and he made a good start; winning the Manager of the month award for August.
His other coaching roles include taking interim charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers as well as a full charge over their under 23 squads, managing AFC Telford United and also England’s under 16 sides.
As a player, Edwards is probably best known for his time with Wolves, where he played in the Premier League.
Match Officials
The official in the middle for the game is Andrew Kitchen.
Kitchen last officiated a Latics game in September 2021 as we lost 2-1 against Leeds United U21s at Boundary Park. On that day, he handed out one yellow card and zero red cards.
He's taken charge of 14 games, so far, this campaign, handing out a total of 38 yellow cards and one red card.
Kitchen will be assisted by Richard Wigglesworth and Paul Newhouse, with Billy Smallwood as the Fourth Official.
Sky Bet Odds
Forest Green is predicted to continue their impressive run when they come to Boundary Park and are priced up at 3/4 to do so.
Latics will be hoping they can turn a performance into a positive result and are 100/30 to get their first competitive win over Forest Green Rovers.
Meanwhile, 13/5 is available for the game to be a draw.
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How To Follow The Game
Live commentary is available on iFollow Latics with Roy Butterworth and Michael Brown who will be talking you through the match action.
Unfortunately, an iFollow match pass stream isn't available in the UK due to the 3pm blackout from broadcasters.
For more information, visit the iFollow Latics page by clicking here.
Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC.